Wood County community gathers donations for Central Texas flood survivors

WOOD COUNTRY, Texas (KETK) – In response to the recent tragic flooding in Kerr County, first responders in Wood County organized a donation drive at the Mineola Football Stadium on Tuesday.

For Agriculture Mechanics teacher, Mason Wintters, the flooding hit close to home. Wintters has family in Kerr County and has spent many family reunions in the area.  

“Seeing this one is kind of like its hitting in your backyard, it’s tough to see your neighbors get hit especially with something so powerful,” Wintters said.

Mineola ISD Police Chief Cody Castleberry organized the donation drive to help those recovering from the rushing waters. Castleberry said that from 5 hours away it’s hard to know how to help but this was his solution.  

Ozarka donated over 12,000 pounds of bottled water and many teachers, students and local law enforcement members donated hygiene items, clothes and other supplies.

With so much support pouring in from the state and the Castelberry addressed the rising issue of an overwhelming amount of help in Kerr County.

“They are having a problem with individuals getting in their cars and showing up, and if you have 5,000 of those cars now the roads are gridlocked,” Castelberry said. “So that’s why we are taking a single trailer, that does the work of a bunch of cars.” He added that they are not just helping Kerrville, but up to 30 surrounding counties.

When Wintters looked around at the support his community gathered for those effected, including his family, he said “I’m just trying to hold it all together, I feel like this is an outlet I can put those emotions into and try to do something to actually help the situation.”

Anyone who missed today’s event and wants to help, KETK has been informed that gift cards to stores like Walmart, HEB and Lowe’s are what is needed most at this time.